Track-ER

May 21, 2013

The concept

The Track-ER is an autonomous twin track motorized stretcher powered by two hydraulic motors.

How it works

The Track-ER can navigate on various terrain and carry a load of up to 125kg The reinforced cabin protects the passenger from falling debris and small projectiles. It can be heated or air conditioned and it has room for IV, Oxygen and medical supplies.

The hydraulic system is powered by a 5-10 hp gasoline engine. The powerpack has a ‘linear’ layout and fits between the tracks under the stretcher. The vehicle is geared to be strong and move at low speed. It can climb hills, pull a trailer and ride over small objects. Each track can rotate at different speeds to help the vehicle turn on a dime. It’s similar to a ‘skid-steer‘ and it can be equipped with wheels instead of tracks.

The Track-ER is a driver-less machine. It will use automatic guiding technology like the one developed at the DARPA Grand Challenge. Cameras and sensors will be embedded on the vehicle which could also be remotely controlled. A stronger and bigger and faster version could be designed. Redundant system could also be added for safety. As you have probably guessed, ‘ER’ stands for Emergency & Rescue!

What it’s used for

The vehicle is designed to conduct humanitarian & disaster relief operations and it could also serve to transport injured civilians or soldiers in ‘hot’ zones.

The designer

The Track-ER concept was developed in collaboration with Edgar Modesto an Industrial Designer from Chihuahua, Mexico. Edgar graduated in industrial design from the University Iberoamericana. He currently works as a designer for The Tecnológico de Monterrey. He also created the concept of the White Rabbit snowmobile and the Motobaggan.